5 Things Tourists should know before visiting Portugal

 

There are some basic questions that tourists make when are in Portugal- here is some help.


1. In the other side of Lisbon' bridges is not Spain, nor Morocco, nor Madeira, neither Africa.  It is still Portugal. 

The map bellow helps to visualize where is Portugal, Spain, Morocco,  Africa,  Madeira and other countries that  are not inside  Portugal.



2. The currency in use in Portugal is Euro. The same other members of the Union European use since 2002.




3. The language spoken in Portugal is Portuguese. Not Spanish. The Portuguese language has some  similarities, but also has similarities with the Italian, the French, the English and other languages of latin origin or influence.


Portuguese - Social, Original, Problema, Natural, Nome

Spanish - Social, Original, Problema, Natural, Nombre

Italian - Sociale, Originale, Problema, Naturale, Nome

French - Social, Original, Probléme, Naturel, Nom

English - Social, Original, Problem, Natural, Name


Portuguese is also the official language of 10 countries across the globe (ex- colonies): in the African continent - Mozambique, Angola,  Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé e Prince; Brazil in South of the American continent; East Timor and Macau in the Asian continent;  and Portugal in Europe. 


4. Drugs are not legal in Portugal. The offence of possession changed from criminal to civil. 

"Drugs are not freely available, and cannot legally be sold. If you are caught with a possession quantity of a drug, there are still consequences.      

More info in english here:  https://www.drugfoundation.org.nz/matters-of-substance/may-2013/drugs-are-legal-portugal/#:~:text=Portugal%20has%20not%20changed%20the,from%20criminal%20punishment%20to%20treatment.                  

https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/dec/05/portugals-radical-drugs-policy-is-working-why-hasnt-the-world-copied-it



5. Algarve is not a city. Algarve is Portugal's southernmost region with more than 30 cities and villages.









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Best Portuguese Music- I






Deolinda - "Um Contra o Outro"


Official page: http://www.deolinda.pt/





Amor Electro - "A Máquina"


                              Official page: https://www.instagram.com/amor_electro_oficial/







Silence 4 - "Borrow"








Aurea - "Busy for Me"






David Fonseca - "The 80's"




Official page: http://davidfonseca.com/







Mariza - "O Melhor de Mim"



Official site: https://www.mariza.com/





Dulce Pontes - "Canção do Mar"
                                  
                                     Official site: https://www.facebook.com/dulcepontesoficial/










Madredeus - "A Vaca de Fogo"

Official site: http://madredeusofficial.com/









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Best Portuguese Youtube Channels

Lisbon, Portugal




Bumba na Fofinha - Mariana Cabral

Maluco Beleza - Rui Unas
Erro Crasso - Luís Franco-Bastos e Pedro Teixeira da Mota





Beatriz Gosta - Marta Bateira






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Origin of the Portuguese Names

Lisbon, Portugal



Traditional Male Names 
1 - Afonso - Has origin in the germanic name Adalfuns. "Adai" means noble and "funs" means able - "Able to be noble". It was the name of 6 Kings of Portugal. 
2 - Carlos - Has origin in the germanic name "Karl" that means "full-grown - a man". Was the name of the penultimate portuguese king, that was  victim of regicide, in 1908.
3 - Dinis - It comes from the ancient greek "Dionysius" that was the greek God of wine and revelry. Was the name of sixth king of Portugal, born in 1261.
4 - Duarte - Derived from the english "Eadweard", means "wealthy or fortunate (Ead)" or "guardian (weard)". Was the name of  the 11st king of Portugal, known as "The Eloquent".
5 - Fernando - Has germanic origins "Ferdinand" that means "bold journey". Was the name of the 9th portuguese king known as "The Handsome".
6 - Filipe - Derived from the latin "Philippus", it means "lover of horses". Was the name of 3 spanish kings that ruled Portugal for 60 years.
7 - Henrique - Comes from the germanic "Heimrich" that means "Home ruler". Was the name of the 17th portuguese king that ruled from 1557 to 1580.
8 - João - Comes from the hebrew "Yochanan" that means "God is gracious". Was the name of 6 portuguese kings.
9 - José - Comes from the hebrew "Yosef" that means "may he add, God shall add". Was the name of the 25th portuguese king that ruled from 1750 to 1777.
10 - Luis - Derived from the germanic "Hluodwig", means "famous in war". Was the name of the 32nd portuguese king, known as "The Popular".
11 - Manuel - Comes from the hebrew "Immanuel" that means "God with us". Was the name of the 14th portuguese king, which reign, initiated the Discovery Era. Also, the name of the last king of Portugal, that exiled in 1910.
12 - Miguel - Has hebrew origins in the name "Mikhael" that means "Who is like God?". It's the name of one of God's archangels and it was the name of the 29th portuguese king, known as "The Traditionalist".
13 - Pedro - It come from the ancient greek "Petros" that means "rock". It is the name of one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and was the name of 3 kings of Portugal.
14 - Sancho - Has latin origins and means "Holy". It was the name of 2 portuguese kings.
15 - Sebastião - It has latin origins and means "revered". Was the name of the 16th portuguese king, known as "The Desired".

Traditional Female Names
1 - Ana - Derives from the hebrew "Channah" that means "favour grace". Was the name of the 18th queen of Portugal (austrian origins).
2 - Amélia - It has latin origin and it's a blend of "Emilia" and "Amália". It means "defender" and was the name of 2 queens of Portugal (french origins).
3 - Adelaide - It derives from the germanic "Adalheidis" that means "noble kind". Was the name of the 29th queen of Portugal (german origins).
4 - Beatriz - It comes from latin origins and it means the "bringer of joy". It was the name of 2 queens of Portugal (spanish origins).

5 - Constança - Derived from the latin " Constans", means " constant". Was the name of 6th queen of Portugal (spanish origins).

6 - Dulce - It has latin origins and means "sweet". Was the name of the 2nd queen of Portugal (spanish origins).
7 - Isabel - Comes from the hebrew "Elisheva", that means "my God is an oath". Was the name of 5 queens of Portugal (some with spanish origins).
8 - Joana - Derived from the greek "Ioanna", means "God is gracious". Was the name of the 12nd queen of Portugal (spanish origins).
9 - Leonor - It derived from "Eleanor". Its origin is unknown. Was the name of 4 queens of Portugal (one of austrian origins).


10 - Maria - Comes from the hebrew "Myriam". The meaning is uncertain. It is the name of the mother of Jesus and was the name of 8 queens of Portugal. Two were regents of the portuguese kingdom.
11 - Mafalda - Derived from the germanic name Matilde, that means "strength in battle". Was the name of the first portuguese queen.
12 - Matilde - Comes from the germanic name "Mahthildis", that means "strength in battle". Was the name of the 5th queen of Portugal (french origins).
13 - Margarida - Has greek origins and means "pearl". Was the name of the 19th queen of Portugal (austrian origins).
14 - Mariana - From latin origins it is a blend of Maria and Ana. It may be related with the roman God of war "Mars". Was the name of the 25th queen of Portugal (spanish origins).
15 - Teresa - Has greek origins "therizo" and means "harvester". Was the name of the mothers of 2 portuguese kings.


















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Best Summer Festivals in Portugal






Is one  of the oldest portuguese festivals, making 26 years of existence in 2018.
It's a 4 days rock/ alternative festival that happens during the month of August, in the north of Portugal, in Paredes de Coura, near a fluvial beach.
The ticket for 4 days is 100 euros and is 50 euros for 1 day.

  • Reduced mobility areas
  • Free camping
  • Tents rental
  • 2 medical centres
  • Recycling
  • ATM
  • Hot water showers + toilets
  • Food and drinks areas
  • Fluvial beach
  • Nature
  • Jazz area
  • 2 stages
  • 4 emergency exits
  • Free centres of battery phones chargers 
  • Others
More info: https://www.paredesdecoura.com/


It's a 5-day summer festival held in the coast of Alentejo, near Zambujeira do Mar, during the month of August.
In this festival stages receives electronic music, pop and rock.
When purchased in advance, the ticket costs around 100 euros for 5 days, and 48 euros for 1 day. At the festival's ticket booth is around 120 euros for the 5 days and 55 euros for 1 day. 
  • Free app Meo Drive that indicates how to get there
  • 6 stages
  • Sea beach
  • River beach
  • Nature
  • Free camping
  • Tent rental
  • Car camping
  • Showers and toilets
  • Police
  • Medical centre
  • ATM
  • Free centres of battery phones chargers 
  • Free bus
  • Online supermarket
  • Vending machines
  • Dishwashing area
  • Laundry area
  • Kitchen
  • Lifeguards
  • Others



The EDP Vilar de Mouros is an alternative/indie music festival held annually, during the month of August, in the north of Portugal, in Caminha. 
The 3-days ticket is 70 euros or 35 euros per day
The camping is free for the 3-days ticket, 1-day ticket pays extra 5 euros for the camping.

  • 2 stages
  • Medical centre
  • Food and drinks areas
  • Nature
  • River beach
  • Camping
  • Hot water showers
  • Reduced mobility areas
  • Free centres of battery phones chargers 
  • Dishes washing area
  • ATM
  • Free shuttle
  • Free auto caravan parking
  • Others






Vagos is a metal festival held in, annually, in Vagos, district of Aveiro.
The 4-day ticket is 80 euros and 1-day ticket is 35 euros, if purchased in advance. At the festival's ticket booth, the ticket is 90 euros for 4 days and 40 euros for 1 day. Reduced mobility people have 50% discount in the ticket and exclusive area to watch the concerts.
  • Camping
  • Free bus from the train station to the festival
  • Toilets and showers
  • Food and drinks areas (vegan and vegetarian options)
  • Recycling
  • Reduced mobility areas
  • 2 stages
  • Nature
  • Security
  • Outdoors gym
  • Medical centre
  • Barbecue area
  • Others
More info: http://vagosmetalfest.com














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Best Portuguese Inventions




Via Verde
The university of Aveiro created in 1991, the electronic road toll system as a solution to end the long lines for payment at the motorways. 
The driver just need to be using the registered small device, that goes in the windscreen of the vehicle, and when passing through the Via Verde - Green Road in the motorway, the device is identified and the amount is  automatically debited from the bank account.




Multibanco
In 1985, was created the first portuguese MB. It's a ATM that not only offers withdrawal of cash, deposit or transfer, but also to make all kind of payments, like phone, electricity, water, show tickets, internet, and 55 more different services.



Rechargeable Prepaid Mobile Phone Card
The first rechargeable mobile prepaid card was launched in 1995 by TMN (today Meo) - Portugal Telecom.


Light Gas Bottle Pluma
In 2005, Galp (gas and oil portuguese company) created a gas bottle with half of the weight of the regular one, ergonomic, safer and more resistant. 




Vinho Verde
The Vinho verde was developed in the portuguese province of Minho. 
Green wine doesn't mean that the wine is green, but a young wine. It is bottled 3-6 months after harvest. It can be white, red, pinkish or sparkling. 
This wine, with a lightly fizz, should be drunk fresh.




Madeira and Porto (Port) wines
These famous portuguese sweet wines were created in the Douro Valley - Porto and in the Madeira island.
Its served as a wine-dessert.





Portuguese Guitar
The portuguese guitar, associated with Fado music, has twelve steel strings and comes in two models: the Coimbra and the Lisbon guitar.





Manuelino Style
Manuelino style is a architectonic style named after the Portuguese king D. Manuel I. He ordered the construction  of of buildings, using decorative stone shaped inspired in sea elements and the portuguese discoveries, as: anchors, chains, ropes, armillary spheres shells, seaweed, and others.
Many of his creations were destroyed by the earthquake of 1755.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Lisbon




Portuguese Caravela
The portuguese caravel was developed, under the sponsorship of Infante D. Henriques (Prince Henry, the Navigator) during the 15th century to explore the Atlantic ocean. It was in these ships that the brave portuguese navigators started the Age of Discovery, as Bartolomeu Dias, Fernão de Magalhães, Vasco da Gama, Cristóvão Colombo and many others.













Pictures source:
https://www.dinheirovivo.pt/empresas/via-verde-boleias/
http://www.nevegas.pt/prod_gas_pluma.html
https://auction.catawiki.com/kavels/15595073-portuguese-guitar-fado

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Portugal and its ex-colonies II - Africa



Portugal have 6 former colonies in the African continente:  Cabo Verde, São Tomé e Príncepe, Moçambique, Guiné-Bissau,  Angola, and Guiné Equatorial. 

 The Portuguese colonization defined the current borders and sizes of these african territories. 


The Portuguese brought to the colonies: 
  • Infrastructures, like: houses, sanitation, roads, hospitals, toilet, etc.
  • Technology, as: electricity, agricultural techniques and tools,  transportation, communication, shampoo, soap, etc.
  • Culture: common language, traditions, new plants and fruits, cooking techniques, cattle raising, etc. 
  • but also, Slavery and Diseases. 

From the Portuguese presence, remains, until today, the Portuguese language, the Roman Catholic religion, the Portuguese architecture and some influence in the culture and gastronomy. 


Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) 

When the Portuguese navigator Diogo Gomes discovered the first island of Cabo Verde, in 1456, it was inhabited.
So, the colonizers brought people from Madeira and slave african workforce to work in cotton and cane sugar plantations. 
In the following years, more 9 islands were discovered, in the surroundings.


Cabo Verde that means Green Cape, in portuguese, was an important point for the traveling by sea to India and the Atlantic port for the slave trade. 

After 519 years under Portuguese dominance, this colony, received its independence.

Cidade Velha, in Santiago island, has the oldest church in Africa, built, in 1498, by the Portuguese colonizers.

 Cape Verde is rich in salt, pozzolana and limestone.




São Tomé e Príncipe (Sao Tome and Principe) 

Portuguese navigators arrived to these two inhabited islands, in 1470. 

 In 1560, it became the world's leader in the production of sugar cane. That later was bypassed by another Portuguese colony - Brasil. 
The colonizers also introduced the production of coffee and cacao, and between 1895 and 1905 became the  world's biggest exporter of cacao.

 After the slavery was abolished by Portugal, was formed a communist movement for the liberation of São Tomé e Príncepe.  And, with the end of the dictatorship in Portugal, the independence was conceded. 

 São Tomé e Príncipe means in portuguese Saint Tomé and prince. 

 The government of São Tomé e Principe has been exploring their petroleum. 

Angola 

Diogo Cão reached this land in 1482, XV century. When the Portuguese realised the land was under dominance of the Congo's king, they made an alliance with him.

 Luanda, today's Angola capital, was the outpost for the slave trade. 

 The slavery was abolished, by the King D. Luis I, in 1869.

Coffee, corn and sugar cane plantations was implemented for exportation purposes. 

 The portuguese also started the iron mining and petroleum drilling. That motivated many portuguese to immigrate to Angola, to work.

In 1945, lands, in the rural areas, were taken from the african indigenous, for agricultural purposes, mainly coffee production. That was one of the factors that triggered the violent rebellion, in 1965, called the war for independence. This war just ended in 1974. 

 After the Portuguese revolution of 1975, during which Portugal made the transition from dictatorship to democracy, Angola received its independence. 

The different african guerrillas couldn't come to an agreement about the future governor and started a civil war that lasted 27 years, till 2002. The portuguese population were the first victims and had to flee from the country. This war was military supported by the Soviet Union, Cuba, China, USA and South Africa.
Angola suffered terribly by this long war. Many social institutions were destroyed, like hospitals, schools, electricity, others. 

Angola is rich in agriculture, petroleum reserves, diamonds, phosphates, iron ore, bauxite, copper, gold, silver, uranium, feldspar and many more.


Moçambique (Mozambique) 

Located in the coast of the south of Africa, this land, was under arab commercial dominance, when the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived, in 1497. 

 Named by the Portuguese, Moçambique, was an important commercial trading point. 

 During the First World War, Germany attacked the north of Mozambique and the south of Angola. But, just declared war to Portugal, in March of 1916. The portuguese were defeated and Germany invaded part of Mozambique. 
When the war ended in Europe, the germans surrendered.


 In 1964, a mozambican guerrilla rebelled against Portugal, starting the 10 years of colonial war.

 After its independence, in 1975, the different mozambican political parties couldn't reach a political agreement and started a violent civil war, with the military support (weaponry) received from the communists Cuba and Soviet Union.
This war just finished 15 years later with the establishment of the democracy. 
However, others political disagreements triggered  more civil wars later.

 Moçambique is rich in agriculture, zircon, tantalum, gold, precious and semi-precious stones, coal, natural gas, ilmenite, rutile, aluminium, limestone, tourmaline, beryl, marble and others. 
Guiné-Bissau (Guinea- Bissau) 

This was one of the first african lands to be colonized by Portugal. Alvaro Fernandes arrives to this coast, in 1446.

Soon, the Portuguese started to make trade of slaves,  gold ivory and spices. 

 In 1915, the Portuguese started to implement agriculture in the rural areas.

 In 1956, the african Almicar Cabral founds a African Party for the liberation of Guiné-Bissau and starts the fight for independence. 
During the year of 1973, these party declares Guiné-Bissau independence. And, in, 1974, after the dictatorship falls, in Portugal, the Portuguese government recognises Guiné's independence. 

 With the independence came several civil wars for the power of Guiné-Bissau, that severely destroyed the country and its infraestructures. 

 Guiné-Bissau is rich in agriculture, phosphates, granite, clay, bauxite, petroleum, and others.


Guiné Equatorial (Equatorial Guinea) 

The Portuguese explorer, Fernão do Pó, was the first european to discover this land ( Bioko), in 1471, on his way to India. 
He named it Formosa (Beautiful), but, in 1474, it was renamed by his name - Fernando Poo.

 It was a Portuguese colony for 300 years, till, Portugal ceded it to Spain, in 1778, in exchange for land in South of America (Treaty of Pardo).

 This land is rich in petroleum, gold, timber, manganese and uranium.





Unlike, North America, Uruguay, Australia, New Zealand and other colonies, where the colonisation was made by elimination of the native indigenous population, to repopulate it with the white people from the coloniser country (the ones that later rebelled for independency), this was not the case of the Portuguese african colonies. The white population was the minority. 

 In Portugal, there's a big african population (around 1 million) from all the ex-colonies.  
The african music and dances of the ex-colonies are very popular in Portugal, like Kizomba and Kuduro.

The Portuguese ex-colonies are richer in natural resources than Portugal, but its population live in extreme poverty and hunger. 
Unfortunately, their nation's wealth is administrated by a  small and corrupted group of people. 






Picture Source: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-YQzhCmu-0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxCO_vb4nHo



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